Have undeniable confidence

by
Drum Corps International

Kevin LeBoeuf

Kevin LeBoeuf, 20 Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University Jersey Surf 2009, Carolina Crown 2011-2013 Baritone Section Leader 1. Figure out the best and most cost efficient way to get to camps. Commuting from New Jersey to South Carolina sounds incredibly difficult, but when I discovered that flying was the best option for me, and when I figured out which flight number worked the best, it made transportation a breeze. I took the same exact flights every camp, and the airline website makes it a breeze. Establishing carpools with members from your area is also a very valuable tool! Many corps have "audition" Facebook groups for each section. There you can interact with current corps members and other prospective members and plan carpools. 2. Make a plan to pay for travel to rehearsal camps and the summer tour. This seems incredibly obvious, but I've seen so many prospective members who assume the funds to pay for their drum corps experience will just "happen." In many cases they may find themselves under too much stress and end up not marching. Required payments come sooner than you think, so it is never too early to think about how you are going to pay for the season. To raise funds for my summer tour, I gathered a group of friends who I study music with, and we put on a concert in a church which has sold out two years in a row. It paid for my whole summer! We're all entertainers. Use that to your advantage to help pay for the summer. 3. Once you are at an audition camp, take in as much information as you possibly can. ALWAYS be willing to conform to the style of the corps. In many of my experiences, it doesn't matter how proficient you are at what you do, you'll also be evaluated on how well and fast you can learn new material. A stubborn auditionee will not make it very far in the process. Take in information like a sponge! 4. Know your music. Again, this seems obvious, but If you still rely on the sheet music to play your solo, Murphy's Law will kick in. Memorize your piece, and simply use the paper for reference. It can't hurt to play it for family and friends too. Treat it as a "fake audition." 5. Have undeniable confidence. Your talent and preparation are just pieces of the puzzle in an audition situation. Whoever is auditioning you is not only looking at your success at camp, but also looking at the potential success you have for the season. If you look and act the part, it's going to be awfully hard for ANYONE to tell you that you don't belong there. Approach every exercise like you own it. Bottom line; have fun! This is about you living your dream. Always remember you are doing this to enjoy yourself. Meet veteran members, ask about their experiences, and hear all of the good stories from years before. Happy auditioning! View additional audition tips, and learn more about corps audition dates, locations, and more.